By Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout

On Wednesday, the King Lions took on the Hillsborough Terriers in a district semi-final matchup for a chance to not only play in the championship, but earn an automatic bid to play in regionals as well. The Lions were in control the entire game and held a three run lead (4-1) going into the bottom of the seventh inning.

However, the Terriers refused to go away and after stringing a couple hits together and scoring a run to cut the lead to two, were able to load the bases with two outs. 2017 1B Tim Elko (Hillsborough HS, FL) had gone hitless so far on the day, but delivered exactly when they needed him most. On a 2-2 count, the Mississippi recruit laced a double down the left-field line, which cleared the bases and won it for the Terriers.

2017 RHP/OF Jarrod Cande (Hillsborough HS, FL) earned the win in his two innings of relief by allowing only one hit and striking out one. He exclusively used his fastball which sat 86-87, touching 88 mph. 2016 SS Rodnie Bernard (Hillsborough HS, FL) had a strong day at the plate going 3-for-4 with a run scored. 2017 2B Ryan Romano (Hillsborough HS, FL) went 1-for-3 with a run scored.

2017 RHP Luke Drummond (King HS, FL) would get a no decision after pitching six strong innings using his fastball that sat 86-88 mph while also mixing in a 65-68 mph curveball with depth and a 74-75 mph changeup that had some sinking action. The uncommitted junior struck out four and scattered five hits in his time on the mound, but exited with one out in the seventh and would eventually be tagged with four runs on the day.

2018 3B Jamarcus Lyons (King HS, FL) made some tough plays in the field along with going 1-for-2 with a strong, line-drive single up the middle and an intentional walk on the day. 2018 DH/1B Danny Terp (King HS, FL) went 1-for-3 with an RBI double.

With the 5-4 victory, the Hillsborough Terriers will take on the Gaither Cowboys in the District 8-7A Championship Thursday at 7 pm.